WHAT'S ON IN AYRSHIRE & ARRAN
Situated in the South West of Scotland, Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran offer breathtaking coastal scenery with much to see and do in the is beautiful region on the Clyde Coast. This quintessential Scottish region was home to Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard and two of the world's finest links golf courses, Royal Troon and Turnberry which play host to the Open Championships. One of the many things that make Ayrshire and Arran such a special place to visit is the rich diversity of annual events and festivals that celebrate the area's culture and heritage, attracting thousands of visitor year in year out. Why not see for your self and indulge in the cultural feast that Ayrshire has to offer.
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In the winter months, Ayrshire delights visitors with its annual East Ayrshire Fireworks display on the 5 November each year, held at Kay Park, Kilmarnock. This spectacular display commences around 6.00pm with a host of live music presented by local radio station, West Sound Radio to entertain the crowds. The Family Funfair is a thrilling attraction for children and adults alike and there is an abundance of hot food stands selling soups, burgers and drinks to keep you warm and comfortable at this outdoor evening event. The ultimate experience is the display itself which launches at 7.45pm with a colourful feast of ingenious pyrotechnics synchronised to music, followed by a sensational lighting display.
For something festive and romantic, the Ayrshire region plays host to a series of events and fairs on the run up to Christmas. The most spectacular of them all is the Victorian Christmas at Culzean Castle, situated a few miles south of Ayr. This experience retains the traditions of a Victorian Christmas in the beautiful backdrop and grounds of the Castle, celebrated with spectacular carol choirs and a Christmas Crafts fair in the Stone Barn, selling an exquisite range of gifts and crafts designed with a Victorian touch.
Ayrshire events calendar wouldn't be the same without celebrating the life and works of the region's most famous son and poet, Robert Burns (1759 -1796). The 'Burns An A' That' festival showcases a plethora of activities to engage visitors and Burns enthusiasts alike, featuring live music,recitals and limericks, folk music and jam sessions that pay homage to his life, work and 'a that'. Various musical genres are represented at the festival such as Jazz and Blues Orchestras that ingeniously perform his songs to their particular style. This spectacular festival takes place throughout Ayrshire in May, from Culzean Castle and the main coastal towns to the small inland village communities of Tarbolton and Alloway, (Burns' place of birth) and is celebrated with great vigour.
Every Septmber, Ayrshire plays host to one of the largest festivals in the region, namely, The Viking Festival in Largs. The annual festival celebrating a battle between Viking raiders and the Scottish defenders 1263. The residents of the popular coastal town Largs decided to celebrate this great victory and the Largs Viking Festival was born, showcasing a wide array of events and shows to entertain the whole family from dog shows to aerial displays and battle re-enactments, there is something for everyone. Each year, the Kelburn Country Centre, plays host to special Viking events including Viking combat, children's Viking game, Viking crafts & weapon display plus all Kelburn's regular attractions, including the Magic Forest and Assault Course. A visit to the battle re-enactments are not for the fainthearted.
A visit to one of Scotland's most spectacular coastal regions will not disappoint you in any way due to its warmth, friendliness and activities that Ayrshire and Arran has to offer. Why not experience Ayrshire's hidden treasures and beautiful coast, there is truly something for everyone.
